The Garden soldier fly Exaireta spinigera has a body length about 14 mm It was Introduced from Australia. It can be seen in gardens and sometimes in houses. The adults probably feed on nectar and pollen in flowers Their larvae feed on decaying vegetation, often in compost heaps. A similar species, the Black soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps} is common in northern New Zealand.

Photo showing wing patterns...

A soldier fly larva living in a worm farm feeding on decaying vegetation.